Seattle &
the San Juan Islands

Trip Full and Closed
 

$1830
Single Room–add $680
(non-member: $1905)
 

Activity Level:
  80% Easy;
  20% Moderate
 

TOUR INCLUDES:

 
- Services of WTT Tour Leader and local guides

Sunday, August 17 - Arrival, Welcome Dinner

Arrive Seattle no later than 4:00pm. The tour begins at 6:00pm at the hotel. Should you arrive earlier in the day your WTT tour leader will greet you at the hotel and have suggestions of things to do before we meet as a group at 6:00pm and then go to dinner. (D)

Monday, August 18 - City Tour and Discovery Park, Pike Place Market

We will begin the day with a city tour highlighting all the beauty of Seattle including an extended stop at Discovery Park, the crown jewel of Seattle's parks.  Situated on Magnolia Bluff overlooking Puget Sound, Discovery Park offers spectacular views of both the Cascade and the Olympic Mountain ranges. The secluded site includes two miles of protected tidal beaches as well as open meadowlands, dramatic sea cliffs, forest groves, active sand dunes, thickets and streams.  This 534-acre park has an extensive trail network, ranging from bluff-top strolls to sandy beach walks.

Our tour will conclude at Pike Place Market where you will have free time to have lunch and enjoy all the activity that goes on around you.  Pike Place is the oldest continually operating farmer's market in the country, featuring fresh fish, fruits and vegetables, and arts and crafts as far as the eye can see. You might want to take your lunch and eat outside at Waterfront Park.   The remainder of the day is yours to plan as you desire. (B)

Tuesday, August 19 - Tillicum Village

We will depart for the pier at 10:30am giving you plenty of time to enjoy a quick walk, a leisurely breakfast or pamper yourself by sleeping in.  We are going by boat to Tillicum Village on Blake Island.  Here they celebrate the traditional food, dances and art of Northwest American Indian cultures, and the historic beauty of the Puget Sound. The highly acclaimed show highlights and brings to life the customs, beliefs and dances of the Northwest Coast Indians.  Watch as West Coast salmon is baked over an open fire that will soon be your lunch.  There will be time to observe Native American carvers or take a walk on the beach or on one of the forest trails.

This evening is free giving you the opportunity to find a new, favorite restaurant in Seattle.   (B,L)

Wednesday, August 20 - Victoria Clipper to San Juan Islands

We have an early departure this morning.  Our transportation to the San Juan Islands will be on the high-speed Victoria Clipper catamaran to Friday Harbor.  You will enjoy every minute of this very scenic journey.  The afternoon and evening are free to acquaint yourself with this lovely harbor town.  You might want to visit the Whale Museum, the San Juan Historical Museum, or take the San Juan Transit shuttle bus (2 day shuttle bus pass included in tour price) to Lime Kiln Point State Park, nicknamed Whale Watch Park and there's even a winery on the island.  (B) 

Thursday, August 21 - Kayaking or Whale Watching Tour

We have two options for today's activity:  kayaking or whale watching.  How does one choose!  After a thorough dry land orientation covering paddling technique, safety and boat handling we'll get on the water. We'll kayak for about an hour and a half and then stop for a lunch break at a beautiful little cove just south of Lime Kiln State Park that has outstanding views of the Olympic Mountains and Vancouver Island.  After our break we'll continue paddling and exploring along the rocky shores of San Juan Island.  This trip is designed to provide you with numerous opportunities to observe, study and learn more about the fascinating marine mammals and birds found in this area. Quiet and unobtrusive, double kayaks provide the perfect means for exploring the myriad forms of sea life we will encounter.

If you prefer not to kayak, then our whale and wildlife boat tour is for you.  Take in the scenery and experience the magnificence of seeing Orca Whales, Bald Eagles, Porpoises, Seals, Sea Birds and Sea Lions in their natural environment.  This trip takes you deep into the territory of the southern resident killer whale (Orca), the most magnificent of Washington’s wildlife. There is nothing quite as spectacular as the sight of a pod of Orca whales along the protected coastlines of the San Juan Islands.  If you choose to take the whale watching trip, you will have free time in the morning to explore the island.  San Juan Transit has shuttle buses that will provide you with the means to get around. 

We will re-gather this evening and have dinner together and share stories about our day! (B,D)

Friday, August 22 - Walking Tour, Farewell Lunch, Victoria Clipper to Seattle

We will begin the day with a self-guided walking tour of the historic district and visit the Historical Museum.  Stroll the Port of Friday Harbor waterfront park with “Portals of Welcome,” the Salish Sea house posts carved by renowned native artist Susan Point.  The town is one square mile of walkable seaside activity, recreation and culture.

We have planned a farewell luncheon today at one of Friday Harbor's restaurants before boarding the Victoria Clipper back to Seattle.  Dinner in Seattle this evening is on your own. (B,L)

Saturday, August 23 - Return Home

Schedule flights at your convenience, remembering that you will need to depart the hotel 3 hours before your flight departure time.  The tour leader will assist in coordinating the transfers to maximize ride-sharing. (FYI:  Seattle Airport is a busy airport and is a good distance from town so plan on needing the recommended 3 hours)  (B)